I look after the Bold Eagle program on behalf of the Army. I am not a "veteran" of the program per se however I do spend the summer overseeing the program in Wainwright, AB. I thought I would offer some information in regards to the questions posed below.
Bold Eagle recruits undertake the same Army Reserve Basic Military Qualification course as any other member of the Army Reserve. The only difference, Bold Eagle adds a cultural component that includes: a four day culture camp which covers traditional customs and teachings, a visit to a local powwow, two Elders as staff who hold regular Elder hours/circles each week, a designated career day to explore future options, and inclusion of Aboriginal customs during the graduation ceremony. Otherwise, the training is at the same military standard, so that if you decide to continue to serve in the Army Reserve afterwards, your next level of training would be the Soldier Qualification course alongside your fellow Army Reservists.
As for the culture camp, specific activities include sharing circles, pipe ceremonies, sweats, tipi building, skit night, lifestyle discussions, and fitness. Recruits participate as much as they want to in the traditional activities - for example if you do not want to sweat, you do not have to (although we hope everyone chooses to experience these activities). The camp also helps foster teamwork in preparation for starting basic training, which I believe helps attribute to the high completion rate (89% of the recruits successfully completed the program in 2008). Given that the recruits come from all across western-Canada and north-western Ontario, rural and urban environments, it also helps bridge cultural nuances and allows recruits to become familiar with their new surroundings. The culture camp is led by Elders and staff contracted by the Aboriginal partner organizations involved alongside the Canadian Forces in providing this program.
Of the 57 who graduated last year, 56 said they would recommend the program to family and friends. The feedback from the graduates indicated a successful program that helped develop teamwork, self discipline, self confidence and fitness to name but a few attributes. Of course some dissatisfiers were expressed - getting up early, long hours, and demanding inspections for example. That is normal for basic training though...
I have one case of a Bold Eagle graduate from last summer who has gone on to serve in a Reserve unit. She joined a medical unit and has indicated to me that she really likes the people and that her training is already progressing; such that she is currently attending her Soldier Qualification course and they are planning to load her on her occupation training this summer. I would recommend visiting the "Breaking News" section in the Bold Eagle website http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/boldeagle/news.asp as you will find relevant information about the 2008 course and its graduates.
I notice that a Bold Eagle graduate posted comments about a positive Bold Eagle experience earlier in this forum. I hope this helps with your interest in the program. I would recommend moving forward with an application if this is something you would like to experience.
